“We can’t say thank you enough to the fans who have contributed, all the players and my organization,” said Malave. “Every night I go to sleep thinking about how many people who have reached out to help this little girl.”

We’ve asked players if they contributed and how much, they answer yes, but say the amount is a private matter, it’s up to Malave. Malave, a member of Cito Gaston’s staff with the Jays in 2010 as bullpen coach, wasn’t known well by all current Jays, but if a player came up through the system the players knew him well and respected him.

Malave has been with the Jays every year but one since 1981 as player, manager or coach, managing 2,536 games.

“Carlos Delgado phoned very early in the morning he returned to Puerto Rico from the Olympics in London,” said Malave, his voice cracking. “His cheque arrived the other day and brought tears to my eyes. He has a very big heart. He is a wonderful family man.”

Malave has received financial help from former Jays manager John Gibbons, lefty Brett Cecil and ex-Jay Paul Spoljaric.

Elisse’s father, Joe Jensen has a new job, but his insurance does not kick in until Nov. 1 and with surgery scheduled Sept. 17, monies were needed.

There are Tampa-Boston flights, a three-week stay in Boston, return trips for three-month check-ups and debt from hospital stays when grandson Eli passed Nov. 2 needing a lung transplant.

Blue Jays coach Luis Rivera managed the class-A Lake County Captains in 2003 the first year Eastlake, Ohio had a franchise. Rivera earned South Atlantic League manager of the year honors after his team compiled a minor league best record of 97–43 (.693). Three years later Rivera was coaching with the Cleveland Indians and was invited to Classic Park on an off day to have his uniform retired.

“Did you see my number on the centre field fence when you were in Lake County?” asked Rivera this week when the Jays were in Detroit.

Ah, they probably painted over it, I told him.

Checking it out, Rivera’s number actually was covered over a few years ago by advertising. He is recognized in another part of the stadium with a plaque dedicated to him, according to a Captains official.

Cindy and Paul Moelker, passed away in a tragic accident when overcome by carbon monoxide from a generator at their home near Carrying Place on July 20.

The Moelkers’ three children -- Samantha, 19, Marcus, 15, and Taylor, 11 -- were not at home and survived. The whole family was involved in both Trenton-area baseball and hockey leagues.

A trust fund for the Moelker children has been set up at Kawartha Credit Union. Roughly $10,000 was raised Aug. 18 with a yard sale, BBQ, bake sale and raffles.

A minor peewee game will be played at Trenton’s Centennial Park Sunday at 3 p.m. as the Kraft Celebration Tour and TSN comes to town. Diana Matheson, who scored the winning goal to win a bronze medals for Canada will be on hand as well.

Aug. 19 -- Robbie Alomar had a pair of hits and Candy Maldonado homered but Doug Linton allowed eight runs in three innings in a 10-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Aug. 20 -- David Wells was left on the mound a tad too long allowing 13 runs on 11 hits and four walks in 4 1/3 innings in a 16-3 loss to the Brewers.

Aug. 21 -- Todd Stottlemyre allowed five runs -- four earned -- in 3 2/3 innings in a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins as Manny Lee had two hits.

Aug. 22 -- Jack Morris pitched seven allowing a run as Pat Borders had three hits including a double in a 5-1 win over the Twins.

Aug. 23 -- The Jays managed only four singles in a 2-0 loss to Scott Erickson as Jimmy Key took the loss.

Aug. 24 -- John Olerud and Maldonado each homered, but Linton didn’t make it out of the second in an 8-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Aug. 25 -- Ed Sprague and Lee each had three hits in a 6-3 loss to the White Sox as Wells allowed six runs -- three earned -- and took the loss.

And 20 years ago Aug. 26 the Jays awoke in first place with a 71-55, two games ahead of the Orioles.